Another kind of globalization

More than 700 Islamic militants from Somalia traveled to Lebanon in July to fight alongside Hezbollah in its war against Israel, a UN report says. The militia in Lebanon returned the favor by providing training and - through its patrons Iran and Syria - weapons to the Islamic alliance struggling for control of Somalia, the study adds.

The report, which was disclosed by Reuters on Monday, appears to be the first indication that foreign fighters assisted Hezbollah during the 34-day conflict, when Israel maintained a tight blockade on Lebanon.

The report also says Iran sought to trade arms for uranium from Somalia to further its nuclear ambitions, though it does not say whether Iran succeeded.

We need a word for pan-Islamic equivalent of crusade. As crusade symbolized a pan-Christian military effort to recapture the Holy Land from Muslims (trampling the remaining Jews in the process), a similar word for the ongoing Islamic effort is just what the doctor ordered. And don't give me Jihad - it doesn't work for me for some reason.

Suggestions, please? The best proposals will be published.

Cross-posted on Yourish.com

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